Orlando Pirates tactician Jose Riveiro had plenty of praise for super-sub Evidence Makgopa, who struck a brace to help put Polokwane City to the sword at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
The Soweto giants made it two league wins on the trot with a convincing 3-0 win victory over a harmless Rise and Shine thanks to a stunning effort from Monnapule Saleng and the Makgopa brace.
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The latter – who is yet to start a match for the team this season - was brought on as a second-half introduction for the sixth time this term and his two goals take his overall tally to three across all competitions.
Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference, Riveiro lauded Makgopa as well as the rest of his substitutes for displaying a never-say-die spirit.
"I'm happy with the contribution from the bench, one more time. It was crucial in Botswana, crucial against Chippa [United] to come back after they scored, it was crucial in the second game against Jwaneng [Galaxy] and today it was exceptionally good.
"[Regarding Makgopa], like everybody who is not in the starting XI, it's difficult, but the people who are coming from the bench, they are showing they are willing to die for the team even if they get a minute.
"That is very good news for all of us and people are there waiting for their opportunities. I think Evidence, same as Karim [Kimvuidi], [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, everyone involved... They performed at the level we need in those certain moments of the game.
"There's many days that where, as much as you dominate and control, you can find yourself in the last stages of the match 0-0 or [with] the game not clearly done.
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"The contribution from the players coming, five, 10, 15, 25 minutes, in modern football is extremely, extremely important," added the Spaniard.
The Buccaneers' next opponents, on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium, are Richards Bay FC, who were held to a draw by Royal AM on Tuesday.